Travel & Hospitality

Hospitality businesses collect guest data including identity documents, contact details, payment information, loyalty programme data, and sometimes biometric data for check-in. The DPDP Act applies to all personal data collected from guests. If you serve international guests, the GDPR may apply for EU nationals. Payment data must comply with PCI DSS. CCTV and surveillance footage is personal data requiring appropriate notices and retention policies. Loyalty programmes involving profiling and marketing require clear consent. The Foreign Registration Act requires hotels to report foreign guest data to the FRRO. We help hospitality businesses build data compliance programmes that address both regulatory requirements and guest expectations.

Online travel agencies (OTAs) and booking platforms must comply with the IT Act and intermediary guidelines, the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules (transparent pricing, no drip pricing, clear cancellation and refund policies), the DPDP Act for user data, and ASCI guidelines for advertising. FDI policy applies if the platform has foreign investment. GST TCS obligations apply to e-commerce operators. If the platform packages travel, accommodation, and activities together, it may be classified as a tour operator with additional obligations under tourism regulations. The Consumer Protection Act applies to all consumer-facing transactions, and travel platforms are frequent targets of consumer complaints.

Trademark protection for the brand name, logo, and any distinctive product names (hotel brands, loyalty programme names, tour package names) is essential. Domain name registration and protection against cybersquatters is critical for online-facing businesses. Content on the website and marketing materials (photographs, descriptions, videos) is protected by copyright but must also be checked for third-party IP risks. Franchise and licensing agreements for hotel brands require careful IP and quality control provisions. We advise travel and hospitality companies on brand protection and IP management.